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Mydlands
Stronger for Language
Kenzie discovers she has unique skills from hours spent translating what her twin 3-year-olds are saying. She just might save the day when her husband, the starship's captain, gets into a linguistic pickle with a new alien race!
Stronger for Language is part of Mydlands, a Creative Commons sci-fi universe.
This is a short story (approx. 16 minutes average reading time).
Stronger for Language is part of Mydlands, a Creative Commons sci-fi universe.
This is a short story (approx. 16 minutes average reading time).
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2018
1 person is currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick
29 books200 followersPerry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick lives in an undisclosed location outside of Phoenix where she and her husband chase their four little boys and an escape-artist dog. They don't chase their cats, however, because cats hate that. She is the author of "The Kitten Files" mysteries, "The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott" spy series, and multiple short stories.
In addition to her writing, Perry enjoys graphic design, playing a number of musical instruments, and watching movies that make her laugh.
Find her books, newsletter, and free stories at www.perrykirkpatrick.com.
Perry's fantastical alter-ego is Denver Evans, author of the Shallows trilogy.
In addition to her writing, Perry enjoys graphic design, playing a number of musical instruments, and watching movies that make her laugh.
Find her books, newsletter, and free stories at www.perrykirkpatrick.com.
Perry's fantastical alter-ego is Denver Evans, author of the Shallows trilogy.
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 13, 2017
This was such a great short story! It was sci-fi enough to be fascinating (AI's and aliens) but not too much that it would boggle my brain. ;) I LOVED those hilarious little twins, but my favorite part was the value placed on motherhood. That is something rare in fiction but oh, so special. ;)
Altogether, this was a great, short read! Just the right length to read between college classes. ;)
Altogether, this was a great, short read! Just the right length to read between college classes. ;)
March 14, 2018
This is a really cute short story! The writing is really well done and I absolutely loved the twins. I normally don’t read this genre, but I did enjoy this story. I definitely recommend this to any sci-fi readers out there. :D
February 13, 2018
Okay, this was adorable! Kenzie is such a fun narrator, and Rion and Rigel are the cutest things ever. The interaction between Kenzie and the boys and between Kenzie and her husband were spot on, and the dialogue was so realistic. While short, and therefore not leaving a ton of room for description, there was never a time I was confused. The sci-fi technology was very cool, especially the Neutrabubble.
Also, that cover is pretty awesome too. *heart eyes emoji*
Overall, a fun short, light read! I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
Also, that cover is pretty awesome too. *heart eyes emoji*
Overall, a fun short, light read! I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
March 17, 2018
Cute story! Aliens (within certain limits) are usually the one area where I'll let my sci-fi blur the line with fantasy, and if they existed, I can see this being a very believable linguistic pickle!
I loved the fact that Kenzie's unique contribution to the diplomatic mission came from the skills she had developed as an unranked, unofficial member of the mission--a stay-at-home mom. (Is it still called that when your home is a spaceship?) Society at large tends to degrade homemakers these days, and it's nice to have them celebrated for once--not in spite of their role but actually because of it. I also loved that the alien civilization recognized and respected her for her role as a mother.
Also, I just have to say, I loved the artificial intelligence system! Just the right mix of too-intelligent-for-its-own-good and frustratingly-uncomprehending to be hilarious--especially with children involved!
I loved the fact that Kenzie's unique contribution to the diplomatic mission came from the skills she had developed as an unranked, unofficial member of the mission--a stay-at-home mom. (Is it still called that when your home is a spaceship?) Society at large tends to degrade homemakers these days, and it's nice to have them celebrated for once--not in spite of their role but actually because of it. I also loved that the alien civilization recognized and respected her for her role as a mother.
Also, I just have to say, I loved the artificial intelligence system! Just the right mix of too-intelligent-for-its-own-good and frustratingly-uncomprehending to be hilarious--especially with children involved!
January 30, 2018
Really fun, short read. Being a babysitter, I can totally relate to interpreting kids speech! The main character was very sweet.
Overall, fun quick read. Perfect for Sci-Fi lovers.
Overall, fun quick read. Perfect for Sci-Fi lovers.
January 4, 2018
2 1/2 stars.
There’s plenty of Star Wars and Star Trek type stories and hero types in science fiction – but the idea of a gentle fiction in space? What a stupendous idea and one I’ve always been interested in. Seeing a mother living out an average day aboard a star-ship was definitely an intriguing scenario.
The world building was good – I really liked the alien culture (particularly the attention to speech pattern—something that is often overlooked in world building) and the descriptions of the tech aspects.
I felt that a bit of the characterization / dialogue seemed a wee bit stilted – but it was still cute. I got a good chuckle at the “shut up” fiasco with the twins.
I’m looking forward to reading more science fiction stories from Perry Elizabeth Kirkpatrick.
There’s plenty of Star Wars and Star Trek type stories and hero types in science fiction – but the idea of a gentle fiction in space? What a stupendous idea and one I’ve always been interested in. Seeing a mother living out an average day aboard a star-ship was definitely an intriguing scenario.
The world building was good – I really liked the alien culture (particularly the attention to speech pattern—something that is often overlooked in world building) and the descriptions of the tech aspects.
I felt that a bit of the characterization / dialogue seemed a wee bit stilted – but it was still cute. I got a good chuckle at the “shut up” fiasco with the twins.
I’m looking forward to reading more science fiction stories from Perry Elizabeth Kirkpatrick.
February 15, 2018
Well, that was cute ... and interesting! I don't read a lot of sci-fi, but since I won a giveaway for this book, I read it!
I did like it, I just wasn't that interested in the alien part of things!! The way they talked was funny - haha! ;)
I absolutely loved the twins!! <3 So sweet! It's so true about the way little one's talk though!!
Anyway, I liked it. Since I have an actual copy of it, I'd read it again, but it wasn't my favourite. I really like the tiny paperback copy of won though! SO adorable!! <3
I did like it, I just wasn't that interested in the alien part of things!! The way they talked was funny - haha! ;)
I absolutely loved the twins!! <3 So sweet! It's so true about the way little one's talk though!!
Anyway, I liked it. Since I have an actual copy of it, I'd read it again, but it wasn't my favourite. I really like the tiny paperback copy of won though! SO adorable!! <3
December 30, 2018
I'm definitely not a Sci-fi reader, but surprisingly I enjoyed this. The aliens had me like "But there's no aliens" which shows how hard it is for me to enjoy fantasy worlds XD Still, I thought the story was really cute and loved seeing the mothering aspect in the story :)
February 5, 2018
A cute, interesting story set in space. Never thought someone would write this kind of a story set in sci-fi, but it worked and was super fun!
January 25, 2018
Hilariously refreshing
Now that was hilarious and refreshing! I enjoyed reading this scifi short story because of the very casual, normal approach. I also love how this isn't your typical "professional" and "serious" type of scifi.
Perry's approach here is out-of-the-box as far as space scifi is concerned. A toddler-language translator, crazy little twins, "Mother-of-the-Future" reverence, and an alien with humour on a not-so-typical First Contact encounter.
We've been so serious and professional when it comes to space scifi that we have created a box of do's and dont's. This short story reminds us to keep natural, realistic, and to just have fun in writing.
Now that was hilarious and refreshing! I enjoyed reading this scifi short story because of the very casual, normal approach. I also love how this isn't your typical "professional" and "serious" type of scifi.
Perry's approach here is out-of-the-box as far as space scifi is concerned. A toddler-language translator, crazy little twins, "Mother-of-the-Future" reverence, and an alien with humour on a not-so-typical First Contact encounter.
We've been so serious and professional when it comes to space scifi that we have created a box of do's and dont's. This short story reminds us to keep natural, realistic, and to just have fun in writing.
May 16, 2018
That was a cute story. I'd enjoy reading more of it if there was a full book. AI is one of the few things that scares me, but for some reason I sort of like to read about them...
Sometimes...
In the mornings when I'm not going to bed anytime soon.
Sometimes...
In the mornings when I'm not going to bed anytime soon.
May 5, 2023
Happy Star Wars Day!
I also enjoy and recommend: Red Rover, Red Rover
A last-minute read and a rec from Kate Willis. In honor of Star Wars Day, she shared a list of book recommendations, and this here was one of them. You can check out the post here: https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress....
Two things sold me on reading Stronger for Language.
1) It's by one of my favorite authors, Perry Kirkpatrick.
2) It's a short read. April was a slow reading month and I want to remedy that in May.
Sci-Fi is not a go-to genre for me. I love time travel and dual timelines but when it comes to aliens, space stations, and other cosmic adventures, I'm 100% out of my comfort zone. However, this little read wasn't overwhelming at all. In fact, it was very lighthearted and if I may say, down to earth.
It's a Star Trek setting with The Jetson's kid-friendly and easy-going style. All in all, this was a fun and super wholesome light sci-fi read. Will I continue to read the other Mydland short stories? Probably.
Solid 3 stars! Sci-Fi fan or not, I recommend it as a quick filler read for all ages.
I also enjoy and recommend: Red Rover, Red Rover
A last-minute read and a rec from Kate Willis. In honor of Star Wars Day, she shared a list of book recommendations, and this here was one of them. You can check out the post here: https://onceuponanordinary.wordpress....
Two things sold me on reading Stronger for Language.
1) It's by one of my favorite authors, Perry Kirkpatrick.
2) It's a short read. April was a slow reading month and I want to remedy that in May.
Sci-Fi is not a go-to genre for me. I love time travel and dual timelines but when it comes to aliens, space stations, and other cosmic adventures, I'm 100% out of my comfort zone. However, this little read wasn't overwhelming at all. In fact, it was very lighthearted and if I may say, down to earth.
It's a Star Trek setting with The Jetson's kid-friendly and easy-going style. All in all, this was a fun and super wholesome light sci-fi read. Will I continue to read the other Mydland short stories? Probably.
Solid 3 stars! Sci-Fi fan or not, I recommend it as a quick filler read for all ages.
March 12, 2018
Title: Stronger for Language
Written By: Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick
Genre: Science Fiction/Short Story
Recommended Ages: Any
This is a new take on language translations. I love how Perry brought in toddler speak and combined it with alien language skills. She did a great job developing the characters in this short story. This was a perfect short story for a quick read.
I received a free copy with no compunction for a review, good or bad.
Written By: Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick
Genre: Science Fiction/Short Story
Recommended Ages: Any
This is a new take on language translations. I love how Perry brought in toddler speak and combined it with alien language skills. She did a great job developing the characters in this short story. This was a perfect short story for a quick read.
I received a free copy with no compunction for a review, good or bad.
March 19, 2018
little story with a cute theme.
April 14, 2020
Great short sci-fi story
This was a fun read with some future refers added to the story. This could be a good series hope it has a full length book
This was a fun read with some future refers added to the story. This could be a good series hope it has a full length book
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews